Cortical reorganization after damage to the central nervous system

Abstract

Findings regarding cortical reorganization have raised hope for the development of new rehabilitation therapies in brain damaged patients. Powerful therapeutic concepts have been developed. However, as the understanding of cortical reorganization has evolved, limits of cortical reorganization have become also more evident. In humans, the knowledge about cortical reorganization relies mainly on functional imaging methods that infer changes in activation patterns of the brain. Based on studies that have been performed by the authors, it is discussed whether altered activity patterns in brain damaged patients are indeed related to cortical reorganization and to the recovery of brain functions.